Real Sociedad vs Espanyol prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2025-08-23 17:30.
[p]After coming from behind to earn a draw in their opening game, Real Sociedad go in search of their first win of the season against Espanyol, who were surprise victors on matchday one. [/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]It has been a frustrating summer for Real Sociedad, who appointed Sergio Francisco as their new manager in July, but have failed to make many waves in the transfer market. Gonçalo Guedes (Wolves) and Duje Caleta-Car (Southampton) have been the only major arrivals at the Reale Arena, while five players have not been given a squad number as speculation over their futures continues. The 1-1 stalemate at Valencia on the opening weekend provided supporters with reason to remain positive, although some of those fans believe reinforcements are still needed if the club are to recover from last season’s lowest finish (11th) since 2017/18.[/p]
[p]Opponents Espanyol have been somewhat busier over the summer, with the number of arrivals at the RCDE Stadium reaching double figures and the club finally being taken over by a consortium who also own Premier League club, Burnley. A 2-1 victory over AtlĂ©tico Madrid last weekend kept the feel good factor rolling, but given they last won their opening two games of a new season in 2008/09, history is against them in following that up here. Boss Manolo GonzĂĄlez now has to mastermind a turnaround on the road, as only one team picked up fewer than Espanyolâs 12 away points in the Spanish top flight last season.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Real Sociedad have won more games against Espanyol (66) than any other team, with eight of those victories coming in the last nine H2Hs (L1). [/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Just two of the White and Bluesâ last seven league outings saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Real Sociedad lost a league-high 47% (W6, D2, L7) of their La Liga home games as a pre-match favourite last season.[/p]
[p]Espanyol have conceded after half-time in their last four La Liga away games.[/p]
[p]The Parakeets lost 13 of the 15 La Liga away games (D2) in which they conceded last season.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Sociedad goalkeeper Ălex Remiro has kept a clean sheet in half of his four home H2Hs (W4) – heâs made fewer than four saves in eight successive La Liga appearances. He will be looking to thwart Espanyolâs Tyrhys Dolan, who saw five of his seven goals last season serve as the first or last of the game.[/p]
[p]Umar Sadiq may be missing for the hosts as he continues to covet interest from Valencia, while their visitors do not appear to have any notable absentees.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Given their incredibly strong H2H record in recent years, backing Real Sociedad to win this match is the obvious pick.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Matt Jones[/i][/p]